A procurement intern typically assists with the daily operations of the procurement department, supporting activities such as managing supplier relationships, conducting market research, tracking purchase orders, and helping with contract negotiations[1].
- Assisting with Purchase Orders (POs): Overseeing the purchase order process, ensuring accuracy in details and pricing, maintaining order records, communicating with suppliers, and improving procurement efficiency[1].
- Conducting Market Research: Gathering and analyzing supplier data, researching potential suppliers, assessing product quality and pricing, and tracking market trends to inform purchasing strategies[1].
- Vendor Communication: Maintaining and updating vendor databases, scheduling meetings, preparing communications, coordinating order tracking, and resolving discrepancies[1].
- Sourcing Suppliers: Identifying and evaluating potential suppliers, comparing pricing and terms, preparing RFPs and supplier questionnaires, and assisting in supplier negotiations[1].
- Supporting Supplier Management: Maintaining supplier documentation, managing performance records, and participating in sourcing new vendors for various categories[3].
- Ensuring Compliance: Supporting the implementation of procurement policies and donor rules, assisting with supplier due diligence, and identifying compliance risks within procurement processes[3].
- Reporting and Documentation: Preparing procurement status reports, updating records, assisting with audit documentation, and ensuring accurate filing of department documents[5].
- Inventory and Store Management: Assisting in issuing, receiving, and maintaining stock records, supporting stock taking and reconciliation, and promoting warehouse safety and cleanliness[5].
Essential skills and qualifications for a procurement intern often include strong communication abilities, detail orientation, analytical skills, MS Office proficiency (especially Excel), teamwork, integrity, and time-management[2]. Knowledge in procurement analysis and supply chain management is typically desired, and being comfortable working under pressure and meeting deadlines is considered a key competence[5].